Small beginnings, big impact – Indigenous group expands to create lasting change

A new logistics hub is set to boost operations for a growing non-for-profit, Indigenous organisation.

For almost 20 years, Kalyuku Ninti Puntuku Ngurra Ltd, trading as Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ), has 
worked tirelessly to build strong and sustainable futures for Martu people.

From humble beginnings, KJ is now the largest employer of Martu people, with over 500 employees, 
48% of which are female.

The organisation delivers numerous social initiatives, including cultural, youth, leadership, justice reform, 
family programs across four remote communities in the East Pilbara region within WA. 

While this sustained growth has supported the Martu community to thrive, it has meant KJ has
significantly outgrown its existing infrastructure.

As a result, KJ’s operational efficiency has been limited, restricting the delivery of Martu-led programs.

However, following $1.1m of funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), KJ’s new 
hub will support the organisation to expand with more efficient logistics and field operations.

Strategically placed next to KJ’s existing property at 14 Panizza Way, Newman, WA, the new base will provide a dedicated space to prepare, maintain and store essential equipment, including a secure air-controlled room for archival Indigenous heritage items, with appropriate safety and protection measures.

This is just one way that the Newman Base will strengthen Martu knowledge, customs and traditions for 
many generations to come.

KJ also takes great cultural pride in caring for Country through their ranger programs.

The distance covered by KJ rangers is vast – with groups responsible for over 13.8 million hectares of 
Martu Country – almost equivalent to the size of Nepal. 

With over 80 on Country trips each year, the rangers monitor and protect areas of natural and cultural 
value, such as waterholes and threatened species against invasive flora. 

KJ also offer junior ranger programs, which provide students with opportunities to accompany rangers 
on Country, as well as the KJ Fire Program, which protects and regenerates flora and animal habitat, 
complementing ground and aerial burning. 

KJ Executive Director, Ms Zan King, said the new logistics hub represents more than infrastructure – it is 
an investment in Martu people, culture and capability. 

“As our organisation has grown, so too has our responsibility to deliver strong, community-led outcomes.

“This space will allow us to operate more effectively on Country, support our programs, and ensure 
Martu knowledge and leadership continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Ms King.

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Morrison, said KJ’s acquisition will have a greater impact on 
generating income opportunities for Martu families.

“When the ILSC partners with First Nations groups to support their economic empowerment, positive 
outcomes ultimately flow on to the wider Indigenous community.

“The economic benefits that come from returning and managing Country, which is the ILSC’s core 
purpose, are immeasurable. 

“KJ’s new homebase is a clear example of how self-determination drives success for many Indigenous 
groups. I look forward to seeing both KJ and the Martu community prosper through their new 
homebase,” said Mr Morrison.

KJ’s logistics hub is located at 14 Panizza Way, Newman 6753.